Songs stick in my head, really!
D. Gaynor | Midwest, USA | 12/15/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"One could pigeonhole Jim Noir as a Brian Wilson/ Paul McCarthy hybrid, but they would only see a fraction of what Mr. Noir brings to the table. His genius is surreal and hypnotic, if not a catchy verse, the layers of tracks meld together to create a warm and inviting song. I dare one to listen to this album and not want to hum, head bob or plain out enjoy his craft. Almost like Pringles, once you pop in this CD, you will find yourself wanting more. His infectious pop rock ranks up with bands like Of Montreal and Brendan Benson. This light, poppy, funny tune packed CD would appeal to fans of Pop rock of the last three decades, classic harmonies and embellished caricatures of songs passed.
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Packs quite a punch in the songwriting department
George Dionne | Cape Cod, MA | 02/15/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"An intoxicating blend of Brian Wilson-like vocals and Beatles-esque back beats. It packs quite a punch in the songwriting department for a mellow album."
Key of Catchie, Key of Cheeky
Brian Tepper | PA | 04/12/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There is absolutely no other record like this out (until he puts out the followup). Never has anyone so successfully multitracked his voice to recreate Beach Boy Pet Sound glory. Few have approached childlike ponderings in his simple whimsical lyrics. He keeps them far simpler than Syd Barrett while still retaining the "Pspirit", so to speak. Never once is there a hint of bitterness in the lyrics, nodding to another influence, Nick Drake, keeping judgements for other fall-apart troubadors. The boastful threats in 2 of the catchiest songs, Eanie Meanie and My Patch, are kept from contentiousness by maintaining the playful, jovial deliveries.
If high fructose corn syrup can be inserted in musical notes to enhance flavor and stick with you forever, Noir has found a way, and all by his lonesome in his upstairs flat often on his computer (hence, one of the cheeky allusions he makes in the title, TOWER of Love). I Me You I'm Your, Key of C and Turbulent Weather cheer up the most weathered cynics. Best recomend you give each song a day or 2 before moving on to the next so as not to be to overwhelmed then take it in full because even the sequence of the songs enhances the listening experience.
Psychiatrists may consider prescribing this instead of Xanax for their incurables. Corporations have found his colorful freak beats and candy coated vocals perfect enough to sell sneakers and discount department stores. As for us dear listeners, we have a perfect soundtrack for driving home in a thunderstorm after a terrible day at the job or on the dole, only to have the sun peak through to get in a walk in park before getting home to tea."